OSCE promotes marine transport security and relevant Convention implementation

On 18-19 December in Almaty, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana co-organized a practical seminar on inspection of higher educational institutions and maritime training centres of Kazakhstan in co-operation with the Committee of Railway and Water Transport of the Ministry of Transport and with the support of the Kazakhstan Maritime Academy of the Kazakh-British Technical University. The main goal of the seminar was to strengthen oversight of inspection and accreditation of higher educational institutions and maritime training centres in Kazakhstan, in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). 

Maritime safety begins long before a vessel leaves port, it starts in the classroom, where future seafarers are trained to meet international standards. The STCW sets globally accepted minimum standards for the training, certification, and competence of seafarers, ensuring that ships are operated safely worldwide. Before STCW, standards varied widely between countries, creating risks to maritime safety and uneven levels of crew competence. The Convention also plays a key role in protecting the marine environment, as competent seafarers are better equipped to prevent pollution and respond effectively to environmental emergencies.

The seminar focused on the strict STCW requirements governing seafarer training, including curriculum development, teaching methodologies, assessment processes, and institutional facilities. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how inspections are conducted, the methodologies used for evaluation, and the specific criteria applied during accreditation.

Through in-depth discussions and practical guidance delivered by an international expert, the seminar helped to identify areas for improvement and support the Ministry’s efforts to modernize and adapt its national framework, where needed. This initiative represents an important step toward modernizing national inspection systems, strengthening compliance with international standards, and enhancing maritime safety and environmental protection.